celebrating Wild Blueberries. It was a weekend of fun with everyone getting to learn more about this favourite, antioxidant-rich superfruit.

Wild Blueberries Winter Wonderland 2017

Wild Blueberries have been growing in our northern climate for over 10,000 years. Found in the wild only, these blueberries have twice the antioxidants of regular blueberries, including anthocyanin and higher amounts of manganese. They are also smaller with a more intense flavour and colour . Scientists are now studying Wild Blueberries’ potential in protecting against heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

For food preparation, Wild Blueberries are far superior to regular blueberries since they freeze better, maintain their shape, colour, taste and nutritional value when used in cooking and baking. Wild Blueberries also are naturally low in fat, high in fiber, and low in calories. And they taste amazing!

During the Wild Blueberries Winter Wonderland Festival, there was a live demonstration of recipes using Wild Blueberries by “The 3 Way Chef“, Christine Tizzard. The Wild Blueberry Pierogis were are big hit. Chef Tizzard, a strong believer in Wild Blueberries, also has recipes on her website for Wild Blueberry Chia Jam, Lemon Wild Blueberry Seed Loaf and Frozen Wild Blueberry Overnight Oats.

The food vendors each were given Wild Blueberries and came up with their own offerings for sale. Some of the delicious items were Wild Blueberry Cheesecake on a stick from Heirloom Toronto, Wild Blueberry Tiramisu from Pasta Tucci, Wild Blueberry Muffins from Magic Oven, Wild Blueberry Pudding from Canto Sando, Wild Blueberries on top of Waffles from Wafel Bar, and Wild Blueberries Preserves Cassis from La Raclette,

Wild Blueberries Winter Wonderland 2017

Wild Blueberries Winter Wonderland 2017

Wild Blueberries Winter Wonderland 2017

(photos by sari)

Children were introduced to Wild Blueberries by making their own snow ice pops.

It was a wonderful time and enjoyable way to fully experience the benefits of Wild Blueberries during a wild Toronto winter.